Sights & Sounds: Generations bond through faith and fun at ‘Grand Camp’
More than 50 grandparents and young grandchildren came together to strengthen their relationships, deepen their faith, and have fun together during the first-ever “Grand Camp,” a unique spiritual formation program hosted by the Church of the Presentation in Upper Saddle River.
Held from Aug. 12-14, the camp featured games, songs, and creative activities designed to nurture both faith and family bonds. In one art project, kids imagined what God looks like. They also crafted picture frames to hold family photos.
Participants learned about God’s love through lessons taught by Dr. Marilyn Kravatz-Toolan, a family faith formation expert who helped design the program. She also led discussions for the grandparents on their vital role in fostering their grandchildren’s faith — especially when parents may be short on time or hesitant to do so. Father Anthony Randazzo, the parish’s pastor, celebrated daily Mass for the campers, as well.
“This camp was a novel way to bring grandparents and grandchildren closer while infusing faith into their relationship,” said Dr. Kravatz-Toolan, who serves on the Archdiocese of Newark’s Lifelong Faith Formation Advisory Council. “And that’s important because faith is based on relationships — whether it’s our relationship with God or our relationship with our grandparents, who can support catechesis.”
View more images of ‘Grand Camp’ HERE.
Each week, Jersey Catholic features the rich and inspiring “Sights & Sounds” of the Archdiocese of Newark. Visit us regularly to explore our vibrant parishes, sacred artworks, historic landmarks, and the faithful men, women and youth who bring our Catholic community to life.
Featured image: Grandparents and grandchildren gathered for “Grand Camp” at the Church of the Presentation from August 12-14. (Photos by Sean Quinn / Archdiocese of Newark)
